Learning: creative approaches that raise standards

Learning: creative approaches that raise standards

This survey produced by Ofsted, is taken from visits to 44 schools. All the schools had been judged good or outstanding in their most recent inspection in terms of their pupils’ enjoyment of learning, their preparation for future economic well-being and the curriculum.

There were different interpretations of what was meant by creativity. However, creative learning was widely understood to be characterized by:

Questioning and challenging

Making connections and seeing relationships

Envisaging what might be

Exploring ideas, keeping options open

Reflecting critically on ideas, actions and outcomes

Curriculum provision that best supported creative learning had the following characteristics:

In schools with good teaching, there is not a conflict between the National Curriculum, national standards in core subjects and creative approaches to learning.

The good teaching that was seen included good questioning, debate, experimentation, presentation and critical reflection

Creativity was interpreted differently but most creative learning included encouraging pupils to question and challenge, make connections and see relationships, speculate, keep options open while pursuing a line of enquiry, and reflect critically on ideas, actions and results

In a small number of schools the pupils’ personal development as creative learners was not matched by their progress in core academic skills

Pupils made little progress when expectations weren’t high enough. In some cases pupils were allowed to follow their own interests to too great a degree

Creative learning required a high quality of leadership and management and placed demands upon teachers’ subject knowledge

Good professional development was a key factor

A whole-school commitment to developing and using technology enhanced pupils’ confidence and engagement

Work needed to be done on recording and evaluating pupils’ development as learners at interim points and not just at the end of the unit or key stage

Partnership learning made a positive contribution

Recommendations included:

That in all schools pupils should be encouraged to ask questions, hypothesise and share their ideas

Ensuring that curriculum planning balances the need for creative ways of learning as well as ensuring National Curriculum coverage

Providing appropriate continuing professional development

Ensuring that all pupils develop skills in technology to support independent and creative learning